Now Hear This: July 2025 New Music Highlights

Explore the freshest sounds of July 2025, featuring standout artists delivering innovative and compelling music across genres.

Introducing Now Hear This: Your Gateway to Fresh Sounds

Every month, Now Hear This brings you a vibrant mix of emerging and established artists discovered through the groundbreaking music platform Groover. This column showcases a rich tapestry of sounds from around the world, crossing genres and cultures to keep your playlist fresh and exciting.

Photo Courtesy of Tele & The Ghost of Our Lord

Gaelynn Lea: The Haunting Violin Voice of Macbeth

Sounds like: A haunting and experimental classical reinterpretation of Macbeth from one of America's leading violin talents.

Gaelynn Lea creates layered soundscapes using her violin and looping pedals, blending atmospheric improvisations with folk-inspired lyrics. Her latest album, Music from Macbeth, pushes the boundaries with experimental string effects, following the dark journey of Shakespeare's tragic hero.

"My sound is a bit melancholy with an underpinning of hope; I explore beauty and pain, joy and sorrow, death and life — always a mix." — Gaelynn Lea

Photo Courtesy of Gaelynn Lea

She draws inspiration from folk legends like Simon and Garfunkel, indie icons like Wilco, and traditional Irish and Scottish tunes. Gaelynn also credits Alan Sparhawk of Low for introducing her to the looping pedal, which expanded her creative horizons.

Gaelynn anticipates a future where indie artists resist algorithm-driven trends by embracing "fully human" music that reflects personal and authentic experiences. For her, live performances remain sacred, an irreplaceable exchange of energy between artist and audience.

Niamh Beatrix: Raw Bedroom Pop With Soul

Sounds like: Thoughtful, stripped-back bedroom pop from a 14-year-old South Africa-born, Ireland-based songwriter with a wise-beyond-her-years voice.

Niamh describes her music as honest and real, embracing imperfections and raw emotions. She blends genres playfully, like mixing South African Christmas music with Irish dance vibes.

Photo Courtesy of Niamh Beatrix

Her influences range from Judy Garland and Eva Cassidy to Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. Niamh believes that while AI and fast-produced music may dominate at first, listeners will eventually crave soulful art that carries a human heartbeat.

The Lowcocks: Punk Rock for the Misfits

Sounds like: Sociopolitical misfit rock that rawly transforms Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" into working-class punk anthems.

The Lowcocks thrive on high-energy, unapologetic punk, mixing influences from The Stooges to Hole and adding a fierce DIY spirit. Their lyrics tackle politics, personal struggles, and everyday absurdities with humor and honesty.

Photo Courtesy of The Lowcocks

"Our songs dig into the absurd, emotional, and everyday with humor and honesty. You’ll leave our shows sweating, laughing, maybe bruised, and definitely wanting more." — The Lowcocks

Their unique name emerged from a cheeky beer league hockey story, embodying their irreverent attitude. The band draws from a wide range of musical tastes, including punk, funk, sludge, folk punk, and metalcore, which creates a dynamic, unpredictable sound.

They see music's future as genre-fluid and DIY-driven, with artists reclaiming creative control despite technological and political challenges. Music remains their therapy and revolution.

Tele & The Ghost of Our Lord: Cosmic Country Explorations

Sounds like: A cosmic country blend echoing the vibes of Beck and Neil Young, fused with psychedelic, haunt-xotica, and garage gospel elements.

Tele’s music emerges from instinct and mood, weaving soundscapes that feel like wandering through surreal landscapes — sometimes eerie, sometimes dreamlike.

Photo Courtesy of Tele & The Ghost of Our Lord

The name is a tribute to Tele's trusted guitar and the mystical "Ghost of Our Lord" — a spectral creative force during recording.

Influences are vast, from exotica legends like Martin Denny to classic country icons Waylon & Willie, and electronic pioneers such as Aphex Twin. Tele sees music as an infinite, evolving force that connects souls and inspires hope.

David Cloyd: Jazz-Inflected Adult Alternative

Sounds like: Breezy, jazz-tinged adult alternative with emotional depth reminiscent of John Martyn and Nick Drake.

David’s music blends acoustic and electronic elements with melancholic chord progressions, producing a sound deeply personal and unmistakably his own.

Photo Credit: Taylor Ballantyne

His album Red Sky Warning draws inspiration from Moby Dick’s haunting imagery and maritime lore, reflecting life’s storms and daring choices. Influences span Beatles to Björk, with a special nod to female artists who push creative boundaries.

David envisions a music industry grappling with AI and societal upheaval but believes artists must keep fighting with their art. He champions the rise of a DIY ethos and creative middle ground where musicians find sustainable paths.

IDDO feat. Sivan Dahan: IDM-Infused Widescreen Pop

Sounds like: Expansive IDM and electro-pop with a soulful edge from Northern Israel’s mountainous terrain.

Sivan channels raw emotion into warm, melodic vocals, while IDDO blends unexpected textures and electronic surprises, creating a musical alchemy that captivates listeners.

Photo Courtesy of IDDO and Sivan Dahan

Their music reflects diverse inspirations—from Ninet Tayeb’s rock-soul energy to Aphex Twin’s electronic explorations. They believe the future belongs to authentic voices that leverage technology without losing the human soul.

Emilio Lanza: Fingerstyle Guitar Meets Pop Songwriting

Sounds like: Acoustic fingerstyle guitar artistry paired with pop songwriting, reminiscent of Michael Hedges and James Bay.

Emilio’s music often begins with intricate guitar work that forms the foundation for his catchy vocal melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Photo Courtesy of Emilio Lanza

Influenced by Ed Sheeran and fingerstyle masters like Mike Dawes, Emilio embraces live concert energy as vital in an era overloaded with digital releases. He worries about AI’s proliferation but remains passionate about authentic, human-driven music.

The Frenchy Captains: Big Band Pop Rock Fusion

Sounds like: Rich, big band pop rock blending influences from early solo Sting to The Tragically Hip with Celtic, Latin, and tropical rhythms.

The Frenchy Captains mix acoustic roots with vibrant instrumentation including violin and trumpet, creating a worldly sound that is both timeless and fresh.

Photo Courtesy of The Frenchy Captains

Originating from Paris and shaped by travels, their name playfully reflects their French roots and musical journey. They see music’s future as increasingly challenged by AI and algorithmic control but hold onto the power of handcrafted, heartfelt artistry.

They recently released a live album called Out of Nowhere, recorded in one take with raw energy — a statement of slowing down and embracing authenticity in an age of instant everything.

They believe audiences will continue to seek music that feels human and intentional, making their authentic approach a form of quiet resistance in the modern landscape.

Groover: Connecting Independent Artists to the Music Industry

Groover is a dynamic platform designed to connect independent musicians with industry professionals like curators, radio hosts, media, and labels. Over 500,000 artists worldwide use Groover to receive feedback, grow their network, and land label deals—empowering artists to accelerate their careers and share their unique voices.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

Explore these fresh voices and more to enrich your playlist with diversity, passion, and innovation. Which artist resonates with you the most? What sound are you excited to explore next?

FAQs

• What makes Groover a valuable platform for musicians?
  Groover connects artists with thousands of music industry professionals globally, offering guaranteed feedback, exposure, and opportunities to advance careers.
• How do artists in Now Hear This describe their musical styles?
  They often use personal and vivid descriptions, highlighting a mix of genres, emotional depth, and experimental approaches.
• Are live performances still important to indie artists?
  Absolutely. Artists like Gaelynn Lea and The Lowcocks emphasize live shows as vital energy exchanges and essential for sustaining their careers.
• How do these artists view the future of music amid AI?
  Most express cautious optimism, hoping that authentic, human-driven music will continue to thrive alongside technological advances.
• What role does music play for these artists during uncertain times?
  Music acts as therapy, connection, and a creative outlet, helping artists and listeners navigate challenges and find hope.

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